What Are the Different Types of Art Degree Programs?

Art degree programs are available at colleges, universities, and art schools all over the world. Undergraduate courses as well as postgraduate doctorate and master’s degree programs are available to students. Furthermore, some classes are designed to prepare people to work as artists, while others are geared toward those who want to teach art or those who want to learn about art rather than improve their artistic abilities.

At a variety of universities, students can enroll in general undergraduate art courses. Different styles of art, such as impressionism, renaissance art, and surrealism, are typically taught to students. Some of the classes are usually devoted to art history, in which students learn about the forefathers of various styles and techniques. In many cases, general art degree programs include a practical component, and students are evaluated on their ability to create various types of art using painting, sketching, or sculpting techniques.

Instead of offering general art degree programs, some colleges offer more specialized courses in graphic design, creative arts, and art history. Graphic design students learn how to create advertising slogans, logos, and images for use marketing companies and retailers using computer software and modern design techniques. Students are frequently encouraged to think “outside the box” and use unconventional tools and equipment to create sculptures and other works of modern or post-modern art during a creative arts course. Because students in these sessions are not typically required to demonstrate their artistic abilities, art history classes may consist solely of classroom study with a focus on prominent artists and styles of artwork.

An individual may be required to complete a teacher-training course before working as an art teacher in a school. Some of these courses are full-fledged bachelor’s degrees that combine elements of other art degrees with general teacher education. Others pursue an art degree before enrolling in short-term teacher training programs, which typically last a year or less.

People working in post-secondary education typically have completed master’s degree programs, whereas teachers working with children typically only need to complete undergraduate degrees. These courses usually last at least one year and focus on a specific artist, style of art, or historical period. Beyond master’s degrees, some people pursue Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees, which typically entail several years of in-depth research on a specific topic. A PhD in art can lead to a position as a department head at a university, while other people with these credentials work for museums.